Electric Appliance Safety

  • Do not use an electric appliance near water; you could be electrocuted. If an electric appliance falls into a sink or tub of water, or if you touch an appliance with wet hands or while standing in water, you risk severe electric shock and possibly death.
    • Never use any electric appliances (radios, televisions, hair dryers, etc.) near sinks, toilets or bathtubs.
    • Always dry your hands before touching electric appliances.
    • Keep the floor around your washer and dryer clean and dry.
  • Check appliance cords for frays, broken plugs, damaged wires, knots, or melted insulation. They can cause electrical shocks or fires. Have them repaired or replace them promptly.
  • Unplug small appliances when washing them. This could result in electric shock.

    Never immerse appliances in water.

  • When using an electric appliance with removable cords, always connect the cord to the appliance first, then plug it into the wall outlet. To disconnect the appliance, unplug it from the wall outlet first, and then disconnect the appliance cord.
  • Do not pull on an appliance cord to disconnect it from the socket. You could damage it. Disconnect all appliances by grasping the plug directly from the socket. Be careful not to let fingers touch the metal prongs.
  • Do not overload electric outlets with too many appliances or lamps.
  • Unplug your iron and other appliances when not in use.
  • Make sure appliance cords do not come in contact with hot surfaces.
  • Use extension cords with three-pronged plugs for appliances that require grounding.
  • Do not place electric cords under rugs or mats where they can be walked on or damage can go unnoticed.
  • Unplug all electric appliances before you work on them. Even when replacing a light bulb, it’s best to unplug the lamp or turn the power off to the light fixture.
  • Do not touch an electric appliance with a metal object; you could be electrocuted. For example, do not use a kitchen knife to retrieve items from toasters, dishwashers, dryers or any other electric appliance.
  • If you receive any kind of shock from a large appliance or any other electrical device, other than from static electricity, have an electrician check it.
  • If an appliance emits smoke or sparks, or if you feel a tingle or light shock when it’s on, stop using it. Discard or replace the appliance or electrical device, or have it repaired.
  • Put safety covers over unused electric outlets. This is very important if you have children in your home. Never let children play around outlets.

Electric Heaters

  • Select a heater that’s approved by the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL). Look for the UL symbol that shows that the product has been safety tested.
  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions completely before using.
  • Keep the heater at a safe distance from furniture, blankets, draperies and other objects that could catch fire. Never hang clothes to dry on or near your heater or heating vent.
  • While heater cords normally become warm during use, stop using the heater if the cord becomes hot.
  • Avoid using extension cords with the heater.
  • Unplug the heater when you leave home, before going to sleep and when not in use.
  • Keep children away from heaters.
  • Never use your kitchen stove or oven as a heater.
  • Use the heater on the floor only; never place one on a counter top or furniture.

Last updated: January 26, 2009